Upper East Side Beautification / by Michael Graves

As of the posting of this newsletter on January 31, 2025, there are now only 48 days left until Spring! Something many of us may be wishing for. The Vernal or Spring Equinox to return (in the Northern Hemisphere, the March equinox is called the vernal equinox, because it signals the beginning of Spring (vernal means fresh or new like the Spring).

In anticipation of Spring and in the hopes of enhancing the entrance from Main Street and I-45 would be a more inviting one if it greeted residents, guests, and others into our neighborhood. Last November, following the adoption, Boy Scout Troop 30 (the 3T0) pitched in to help Director of Beautification Ryan Taylor and his crew prep the Upper East Side Houston Avenue Esplanade and scatter wildflower seeds at the site. Rain came the following week – something we were not sure would happen, so that was a pleasant surprise and a very helpful one as baby bluebonnets are now growing. Here’s hoping we get more along with a variety of wildflowers joining them. Something we can all look forward to now that the snow has melted – let’s see what February brings.

Soon two signs will grace the esplanades - one indicating WHCA is maintaining the esplanades with the permission of the Houston Parks & Recreation Department. And the other sign like the one at the top of this article to remind everyone that there are seeds working hard to make flowers when Spring comes.

Estella Espinosa